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Pentagon Channel Commemorates Anniversary From Pentagon

By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2006  The Pentagon Channel today marked its two-year anniversary by filming several promotional spots in the Pentagon's center courtyard and talking with military and Defense Department officials.

The interviews included: Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications; Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Franklin Welch.

Barber said she is pleased with what grew from a request from Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to be able to talk to U.S. servicemembers all over the world.

"The transformation of the Pentagon Channel has been spectacular, and I would say in a couple areas in particular," she said. "No. 1 is in the talent. We took a channel that was run by a lot of wonderful people and we said, 'Let's make it a channel run by our military members.'"

Not only did it become a true military channel, it is now delivering news in real time. "I'm really excited about our mission and doing our mission in real time for the military," Barber said.

Universal South recording artist Rockie Lynne also was on hand to sing his hit song "Red, White And Blue" and praise America's troops.

"I'm awestruck by how humble they are and how dedicated to their duty," Lynne said about today's servicemembers. "They have such a sense of duty and honor, and they have a diligence and a fidelity to their country, that I just think is unrivaled by any time in our history."

Lynne also praised America Supports You, a Defense Department program that highlights how Americans across the country are supporting U.S. troops

A former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, Lynne knows how important the public's support is to servicemembers and subsequently is very involved with America Supports You.

"When I found out about (America Supports You), I thought, 'That's the most honorable, worthwhile thing, as an American, we could ever do,' " Lynne said. "I think (it) is important because for the first time in our nation's history we're saying during a conflict that regardless of your political position we are supportive of the young men and women in uniform.

To commemorate its two-year anniversary, the Pentagon Channel broadcast from the Pentagon's center courtyard. The broadcast included an interview with Army Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Gainey, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (right), shown here being interviewed by Army Staff Sgt. David McClain. Photo by Steven Donald SmithDownload screen-resolutionDownload high-resolution